Study Abroad

Application Process for Exchange and Partner Programs

Phase 1: Pre-Decision
Phase 2: Post Decision
Phase 3: While Abroad
Phase 4: Returnee

Phase 1: Pre-Decision

All applications begin in the ‘Pending’ status. Once the Pre-Decision items have been completed, the application is reviewed by the program’s designated study abroad specialist. Some programs require students to go through a process with a Selection Committee. Your specialist will inform you if this is the case.

It’s important for students to research scholarships and meet with Financial Aid early in the process to have a plan! Call Bronco Express and request a financial aid advising appointment with a Financial Aid Advisor in Faunce to talk about using your aid toward a study abroad program.

For programs with a selection committee: After the application deadline, applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. After the interview, applicants will be notified of their universities placement.

Phase 2: Post Decision

Accepted means that the student has been approved by Western Michigan University to study abroad. For exchange programs, it does not mean the student has been accepted by the host university! Students must complete the host program application to gain admission into the program. Students must be nominated for exchange by the study abroad specialist before obtaining this application.

Acceptance Email

Once accepted, an email will be sent to you by your Study Abroad Specialist. This email will include notification of acceptance, a link to the budget, a commitment deadline, and a reminder that once committed and nominated, they will have to complete a second application with the host university.

Apply for your passport so you have plenty of time to apply for a visa if necessary. Many exchange universities require a copy of your passport just to be nominated.

Before Committing

Review and understand the withdraw deadlines and penalties.

Meet with your academic advisor to ensure the program is a good fit academically.

Meet with your study abroad specialist if you have any questions.

Meet with Financial Aid in Faunce to find out how much funding you have available in addition to personal funds and scholarships. Compare the funds you have available to the budget provided. Will you have enough?

Committed means that you are serious about participating and that you are financially able to participate in the program. It is also when the non-refundable commitment fee is billed.

Nomination

The Study Abroad Specialist sends your nomination to the home university and then sends you instructions on how to complete the next application.

Complete and send your application

After you send your application to the host university, do the following:

Attend pre-departure orientation. Meeting with your Faculty Director as required!

Make arrangements for any obligations in the US such as housing leases, pet care, and car storage etc…

BEFORE BOOKING AIRFARE

*Wait until the host university confirms that you are a participant and provides orientation dates before booking airfare!*

Once formally admitted into the program by the exchange university you should:

Six or more weeks before departure, meet with your doctor and/or travel nurse at Sindecuse to cover all health related matters such as vaccines, medication, as well as mental and physical health.

Apply for a visa to enter the country.

Book your airfare.

Make sure you have completed all post-decision application requirements in Broncos Abroad.

When your status changes to Enrolled, it means you have been registered in place-holder courses at WMU which maintain your status as a student, enable you to access financial aid, be eligible for study abroad scholarships from WMU, and transfer your credits.

A Note About Registration Holds:

Students with holds on their WMU accounts cannot be registered for placeholder courses and must resolve these holds as soon as possible. If the student does not resolve the hold, they cannot participate in the program.

Phase 3: While Abroad

Once you know the address of where you will be living, you will need to submit it in your Broncos Abroad account. This is so we can locate you in the event of an emergency.